Form and Analysis of Chopin Works

[JZambrano201]

I have created this topic in hope of creating an analytical discussion of Chopin's works. I have set up a poll to see what piece you want to discuss first. Feel free to post the names of pieces not included in the poll.

[PJF]

The Polonaise! But I'm biased.

I suggest including all 3 of the heroic polonaises in the discussion.

[JZambrano201]

Since this topic doesn't seem like a very active one, I'll start with the 3 "Heroic" Polonaise.

[JZambrano201]

Can someone please tell me how to put sheet music onto a post?

[johnlink]

To put sheet music in a post:

1) Scan the sheet music and save as a pdf file.

2) When creating your post click on the tab that says "Upload attachment".

3) Click the button that says "Choose file".

4) Highlight the pdf file and click the button that says "Choose".

5) Click the button that says "Add the file".

[JZambrano201]

Thanks for the advice.

[JZambrano201]

Attached is the sheet music for Polonaise Op.53. The discussion can now begin. Feel free to share opinions and perspective on this piece.

P.S. Many thanks to chopinmusic.net for providing the sheet music!

[PJF]

There are things common to all the "heroic" polonaises (opp. 44, 53 and 61) but for now, a basic analysis of opus 53's form.

This polonaise has an extended introduction, bar 1-16, followed by the main theme, "A" from bars 17-32, then a return to "A" at bar 33-48, as an expanded variation. Next we find a couple of thematic bridges at bars 49-56 and bars 57-64. At bar 65-80, we again see the registerally, harmonically, dynamically and texturally expanded version of theme "A". An ostinato section (with repeat) follows from bar 80-120. At bar 121-128 we encounter another thematic bridge, which segues neatly into theme "B", which meanders chromatically between bar 129-154 until, with some impetus, we're lead into the triumphant return of that expanded variation of "A" through bars 155-170. All this comes crashing down at bar 171-181 with the drama of the coda.

I wonder. Why the long intro?

[Jeliness2]

yeah i wonder too... it's kind of like polonaise-fantasy, except the heroic polonaise's introduction doesn't return whereas the polonaise fantasy's does in a shorter version.

[JZambrano201]

In my opinion, the long intro to this Polonaise is the product of Chopin maturing into his artistic climax. At this point in his life, Chopin was able to produce more complex works, thus many of the pieces he wrote during this period have extended structure.

Another interesting point is that Chopin has moved away from the idea of traditional polonaise, a piece meant for dance music, and moved towards something that is a hybrid between a polonaise and a fantasy. This transition reached its final stage when he ultimately composed the fantasy polonaise Op.61.